There are times when we feel deeply connected to ourselves. We are present and content with what is. We feel energised, free and alive, able to meet what comes our way with openness and flexibility.
And there are times when we lose touch with that.
Our mind gets busy. Our body holds tension. We may feel tired, restless or stuck. We fall into the same thoughts, habits and ways of responding, while somewhere inside we sense that it doesn't have to be this way.
Step out of your usual rhythm
During this week-long retreat, Esther and José invite you to step out of your usual rhythm, slow down and give yourself some me-time. Time to relax, to enjoy and to turn inwards. To explore what helps you connect more deeply with yourself and with what makes you feel alive.
Throughout the week, you practise
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Yin yoga
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Meditation
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Nervous system practices
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Dynamic yoga
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Breathwork
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Self-inquiry
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Restorative yoga
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Mindful movement
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Reflection
Whether active or still, each practice lets you experience and observe what is happening within you: in your body, your energy, your thoughts, your emotions and the way you respond.
Keep, change or let go?
You become more aware of how you relate to effort, challenge, uncertainty and change, and of the familiar thoughts, beliefs and patterns that may be holding you back. You also begin to notice what supports you, what gives you energy and what makes you feel free.
From this awareness, you can start to choose more consciously.
What do you want to keep?
What would you like to change or let go of?
And what else might be possible?
Along the way, you may begin to experience new ways of moving, feeling and responding.
These choices can set something in motion. They can create space in your body and mind: to breathe, to feel and to experience yourself differently. They can strengthen and support you, and open you up to more lightness and joy.
As you learn to trust yourself and make choices that are more in line with who you are, something may begin to surface that was simply buried for a while.
What you can take home
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A deeper connection with yourself and with what makes you feel alive
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A clearer sense of what supports you, what may be holding you back and what you want to keep, change or let go of
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The experience of new ways of moving, feeling and responding
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More trust in yourself and the choices you make
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Practices from the week that you can keep using at home
What if some of what you are
looking for is already there?
Time to practise, move and explore.
Time to listen, reflect and let things settle.
Time to rest and enjoy.
Esther and José have chosen D'Alijo Retreat Centre and shaped the rhythm of the week with all of this in mind.
MORNING
Begin in silence
Each morning begins in silence, giving you the space to stay close to yourself and start the day quietly, from a sense of connection, before your attention is drawn outwards. The day starts with meditation and pranayama, followed by a silent breakfast and some time for yourself.
LATE MORNING
Move and explore
At 11:00 the silence ends and we move into a more active practice. Whether active or still, each practice lets you observe what is happening within you: in your body, your energy, your thoughts and the way you respond.
AFTERNOON & EVENING
Rest, then slow down
After lunch, the afternoon is yours. Swim, hike, read, sleep, sit outside, chat with others or simply do nothing for a while.
From 17:00, the practices take on a slower quality. Some sessions offer space to release, others invite curiosity, and some simply give you time to be still and experience what is here.
08:00–09:00
Meditation & Pranayama
09:00–11:00
Silent breakfast + break
11:00–13:00
Dynamic Yoga / Strength / Mobility / Mindful Movement
13:00–17:00
Lunch + free time (hike, rest, read, swim)
17:00–19:00
Yin / Restorative / Nervous System Practice / Meditation / Self-Inquiry
19:00–20:00
Dinner
20:15
Optional evening meditation or rest practice
Sample daily flow
The exact content of each session will evolve throughout the week as we move through the themes of the retreat.
D'Alijo Retreat Centre
All of this takes place at D'Alijo Retreat Centre, which lies in the Portuguese mountains, surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rivers. There is birdsong and the sound of frogs, a swimming pool, beautiful walking trails and plenty of quiet spots to find for yourself. It's a place where slowing down and reconnecting come naturally.
Delicious vegetarian meals are freshly prepared for you and shared with the group, so there is nothing to organise. Sitting around the table together is part of the week too: conversations, laughter, and often the recognition that others are exploring some of the same things you are. And whenever you need it, there is room to be on your own.
Who this retreat is for
This retreat is for you if you feel ready to make some space for yourself and for what makes you feel alive.
Maybe you've lost some of your connection with yourself, and you want to look at what may be holding you back.
Or you already feel good and connected, and you're curious to go a layer deeper and explore what supports you.
Or you simply long for a week for yourself: to slow down, practise, enjoy and see what unfolds.
You don't need to arrive knowing what you want to keep, change or let go of.
Curiosity and a willingness to meet yourself as you are are enough.
The yoga practices are accessible and adaptable. The retreat is open to different levels of experience, although some familiarity with yoga is recommended.
Who will guide you
After many years of teaching on EkhartYoga, now YogaEasy, Esther and José are coming together for their first retreat. They're excited to join forces, share what they each bring and guide you through this week together.
José de Groot
José de Groot has been teaching yoga internationally for more than 20 years and has taught on EkhartYoga, now YogaEasy, for over a decade. She specialises in Yin Yoga and also teaches more dynamic styles.
Her approach is functional, holistic and playful, rooted in the understanding that every body and every person is different.
Rather than prescribing one way, she invites you to explore and experiment with different options and adaptations, so you can discover for yourself what supports you.
Esther Ekhart
Esther Ekhart is the founder of EkhartYoga.com, now YogaEasy, and has been teaching yoga, meditation and mindfulness internationally for over 25 years. Known for her down-to-earth and compassionate approach, she brings together ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding of the body, mind and nervous system.
A central thread in Esther's work is helping you move out of the thinking mind and back into direct experience, using the body as a doorway into presence, deeper awareness and a more intimate connection with yourself.
You're so welcome here
Give yourself this week of practice, rest and genuine connection.
Come exactly as you are, and we'll be there with you along the way.
Accommodation & pricing
Your retreat price includes 8 days and 7 nights at D'Alijo, all delicious vegetarian meals from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure, and the full yoga, meditation and retreat programme with Esther and José.
Only 25 places available: early booking is recommended.
€1690 pp
Main House & River Cabin
Twin
Main House & River Cabin
Single
€2125
Mountain Lodge
Single with shared facilities
€1885
Garden Suite
Couple Share Deluxe
€1915 pp
Garden Suite
Single Deluxe
€2295